EngD in CFD Optimisation of Wastewater Treatment Systems
 

Hydro International develops innovative technologies for the treatment and control of stormwater and wastewater using hydrodynamic means. Many of the processes used focus on solid-liquid separation via gravitational and rotary sedimentation. There is significant scope to improve understanding and optimise the design of these systems through the application of suitable CFD optimisation techniques for multiphase flow representation and reaction kinetics.
The project will focus on optimising the geometry of solid-liquid separation devices through optimisation-driven CFD simulations, using gradient-sensitive adjoint functions. Adjoint approaches require far fewer design iterations and are proven to outperform other relevant shape optimisation methods such as Genetic Algorithms. Currently, adjoint optimisation methods are not available in commercial CFD codes; neither have they been applied to optimisation in the Urban Water sector. The project will use the open source CFD code OpenFOAM to solve the adjoint function and implement the geometry parameterisation and optimisation algorithms.

The funding is for an Eng.D., i.e. a 4 year research degree (PhD) undertaken primarily with the industrial partner. This includes an annual maintenance allowance of £19,000 p.a. (yrs 1+ 2) rising to £20,000 p.a. (yrs 3+4) (Tax-free stipend equivalent to £24,500 p.a. gross earning). The candidate will have the opportunity to be involved with all aspects of the design and development process, including project management and the protection of any intellectual property created during the project.
Application criteria

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline (Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or similar). UK/EU applicants only.
Value:Four-year studentship funded by EPSRC via STREAM Industrial Doctoral Centre: Tuition fees [UK/EU] and an annual maintenance allowance of £19,000 p.a. (yrs 1+ 2) rising to £20,000 p.a. (yrs 3+4).


For further details please see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=974 or contact Dr Gavin Tabor (g.r.tabor@ex.ac.uk). Formal application is through the online web form http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate...s/application/


Closing date for applications: 24th August 2012